I grew up in the 60s & JFK became & remains my hero. JFK+50 highlights the key events relating to JFK in an "on this day in history" format & includes other events in US & world history. The daily postings read as if published in a newspaper on the day of the event.

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Saturday, September 26, 2015

THE DEBATE THAT CHANGED HISTORY

JFK+50: Volume 5, No. 1725

JFK'S PERFORMANCE IN FIRST DEBATE CHANGED HISTORY

Chicago, Illinois(JFK+50) Fifty-five years ago today, September 26, 1960, the first of four televised debates was held here in the Windy City between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Richard M. Nixon.Mr. Nixon was the clear favorite going in to this debate. He had served two terms as President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Vice-President during a relatively good economic period. The Vice-President had the additional advantage of a strong background in public debating. He had been a champion in college.The pressure was on the young senator from Massachusetts to show that he could stand toe-to-toe with Nixon. As far as debating points, JFK did so although those who listened to the debate on radio gave the nod to Nixon. It was Senator Kennedy's image on television, however, that gave him the clear advantage.On the 50th anniversary of the 1st debate, Kayla Webley of Time Magazine published an article titled: 'How the Nixon-Kennedy Debate Changed the World.'Ms. Webley begins her article with these words..."On the morning of September 26, 1960, John F. Kennedy was a relatively unknown senator from Massachusetts. He was young and Catholic....and facing off against an incumbent. But by the end of the evening, he was a star."She goes on to tell us that the first debate "fundamentally altered"campaigns as well as television and the political history of the nation. She quotes Alan Schroeder, professor at Northeastern University..."It's one of those unusual points on the timeline of history where you can say things changed very dramatically...in a single night."Seventy-four million people tuned in to the first debate and most believed JFK was the clear winner. Ms. Webley also quotes Larry Sabato, author of 'The Kennedy Half-Century'...."Before the television debates, most Americans didn't even see the candidates...they read about them (and) saw photos of them."The first debate was televised from CBS Studios in Chicago, Illinois. It was broadcast live on the CBS, ABC and NBC television networks. Howard K. Smith (ABC) was the narrator. The panel of reporters included Bob Fleming (ABC), Stuart Novins (CBS), Sander Vanocur (NBC), and Charles Warren (Mutual).

JFK+50 MEMBERS

WHY JFK SHOULD BE IN THE NATIONAL SAILING HALL OF FAME

The nomination of President John F. Kennedy in 2017 during his 100th birthday celebration would benefit the NSHOF and Sailing. I believe the nomination of a popular president and naval hero would promote sailing. Several history and sailing experts have shown enthusiasm for JFK to be part of the NSHOF.

Good Wind, Good Sailing,

Jim Malone

JFK+50 TOURS

HISTORIC COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CHARLESTON

Charleston, South Carolina (JFK+50) JFK+50 is back in the Holy City and yesterday we had the opportunity to take a tour of the historic City Council Chamber. Docent Lindsay M.P. Barrios did a masterful job as our tour guide.

A TRIBUTE TO JFK BY THEODORE H. WHITE

"He made Americans realize that they were a young people--& youth is hope. In his brief moment, he had given America belief, as well as hope."

From The World Book's 1964 Yearbook Special Report

IN MEMORY OF RAY F. WHITE

UNCLE RAY,"Dad,The Tomato Man,"the inspiration for JFK+50, died on May 9, 2012 at the age of 98. On his daily posts, Dad wrote..."Time is so precious--do not waste it living for yourself but give a little of your time to others."